Collapsible backpack system

Abstract

A frame for a collapsible and deployable backpack can include a plurality of struts and straps configured for carrying luggage. The struts can be attachable to form a backpack frame. The straps can be attachable to the struts for wearability. The luggage can be in the form of two or more independent pieces of luggage attachable to the frame, for example, two or more pannier bags. The frame can include upright struts bent into a bowed configuration. The bowed struts can be oriented in a splayed apart configuration to provide racking resistance. In a collapsed configuration, the backpack can have an overall width that is less than a pedal width of a bicycle, and optionally less than a width of a suspension portion of a bicycle.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A frame for a collapsible and deployable backpack, comprising:
 a frame having at least a first longitudinal frame strut and a second longitudinal frame strut, and a first lateral frame strut, each of the first longitudinal frame strut and the second longitudinal frame strut comprising an upper portion, a middle portion, and a lower portion; and 
 a carrying harness comprising at least a first longitudinal strap and a second longitudinal strap each having an upper connector portion and a lower connector portion configured to removably receive respective upper and lower portions of the first longitudinal frame strut and the second longitudinal frame strut, the first longitudinal strap and the second longitudinal strap being sized so as to maintain the first longitudinal frame strut and the second longitudinal frame strut bowed, under tension; 
 wherein the first lateral frame strut is configured to be removably connected to respective middle portions of the first longitudinal frame strut and the second longitudinal frame strut so as to maintain the first longitudinal frame strut and the second longitudinal frame strut in a non-parallel orientation. 
 
     
     
       2. The frame for a collapsible and deployable backpack according to  claim 1 , additionally comprising a belt strap removably attached to a bottom portion of the first longitudinal strap and the second longitudinal strap. 
     
     
       3. The frame for a collapsible and deployable backpack according to  claim 1 , additionally comprising at least first and second adjustable shoulder straps respectively attached to the first longitudinal strap and the second longitudinal strap. 
     
     
       4. The frame for a collapsible and deployable backpack according to  claim 1 , additionally comprising a carrying bag configured to contain the frame and the carrying harness. 
     
     
       5. The frame for a collapsible and deployable backpack according to  claim 1 , wherein the first lateral frame strut is configured to maintain the first longitudinal frame strut and the second longitudinal frame strut in an orientation tilted away from each other by at least 10 degrees. 
     
     
       6. The frame for a collapsible and deployable backpack according to  claim 1 , additionally comprising an upper lateral frame strut positioned higher than the first lateral frame strut and a lower lateral frame strut positioned lower than the first lateral frame strut, wherein the upper lateral frame strut is configured to be removably connected between the upper portion of the first longitudinal frame strut and the upper portion of the second longitudinal frame strut, and wherein the lower lateral frame strut is configured to be removably connected between the lower portion of the first longitudinal frame strut and the lower portion of the second longitudinal frame strut. 
     
     
       7. The frame for a collapsible and deployable backpack according to  claim 6 , wherein the upper lateral frame strut is configured to support at least one piece of luggage and wherein the first lateral frame strut is configured to support at least another piece of luggage that is separate and independent from the at least one piece of luggage. 
     
     
       8. The frame for a collapsible and deployable backpack according to  claim 7 , in combination with a bicycle having a carrier rack and with the at least one piece of luggage and the at least another piece of luggage removably connectable to the carrier rack, wherein the at least one piece of luggage and the at least another piece of luggage are also removably connectable to a frame of the bicycle. 
     
     
       9. The frame for a collapsible and deployable backpack according to  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a first bottom securement strap having a first end removably attached to the first lateral frame strut, and a second end removably attached to a bottom portion of the at least one piece of luggage for securing the at least one piece of luggage to the carrying harness; and 
 a lower bottom securement strap having a first end removably attached to the lower lateral frame strut, and a second end removably attached to a bottom portion of the at least another piece of luggage for securing the at least another piece of luggage to the carrying harness.